Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease of the human body that involves transformation of the structure of bone tissue, namely, a decrease in mass, a decrease in strength and an increase in fragility.
Often, the disease is practically asymptomatic and is noted only when non-obvious fractures of bones such as the radius, femoral neck or vertebral body occur.
When diagnosing osteoporosis, the most important role is played by determining the cause of its occurrence, for which a large number of studies are carried out.
Treatment of osteoporosis of the joints involves complex therapy using calcium supplements, a vitamin-mineral complex and hormonal agents.
Causes of the appearance and development of the disease
The most common cause of osteoporosis is a calcium metabolism disorder due to some other disease. The second is disruptions in the process of bone regeneration, that is, in the activity of those cells that are responsible for the renewal of bone tissue.
Factors that increase the risk of “acquiring” such a disease can be divided into two groups: those that depend on the person and those that are independent.
| What can we influence? | What influences us, regardless of our efforts? |
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Drugs for bone regeneration and osteoblast growth
Ossin
The drug stimulates the growth of bone tissue. For treatment, it is necessary to select individual doses of the drug. Ossin is recommended to be taken in an amount of 40 mg in the morning and evening. The course of taking the drug is at least four years. To prevent diffuse osteoporosis, it is recommended to take 40 mg daily for four years.
Teriparatide
In addition to bone tissue regeneration, the drug helps eliminate cramps, strengthen muscle tissue and reduce pain. Teriparatide should be administered subcutaneously into the thigh or abdominal area. The dosage of the medication is 20 mcg once a day. The maximum duration of the course is one and a half years.
A healthy lifestyle helps control the disorder
Attention! Medicines for bone tissue regeneration and osteoblast growth slow down the destruction of the skeleton several times. They should be taken with the permission of a doctor and in a strictly selected course.
Symptoms of osteoporosis of the joints
The insidiousness of osteoporosis lies in the fact that people seek treatment when serious degenerative processes in the joints have already begun. This is due to the fact that in the first stages there are no signs of the disease. Only signs of calcium deficiency are noticeable, which few people pay attention to:
- increased heart rate;
- problems with nails and hair;
- cramping of the calves at night, similar to cramps;
- general weakness, fatigue;
- deterioration of teeth;
- losing weight for no reason.
As the disease progresses, the person begins to experience joint pain. They are first felt in the morning, immediately after sleep. This is called “morning stiffness” - it is difficult to get out of bed and “get going.” Pain also occurs during unusually strong physical activity for a person.
If these signs are left unattended, then the pain in the joints becomes long-lasting, and then permanent. She is getting stronger. If the hip joint is affected by osteoporosis, the pain can radiate to the groin, and if the knee joint, then throughout the entire leg.
In the final stages, fractures and displacements occur even without heavy load. This is usually when osteoporosis is discovered.
Degrees of osteoporosis of joints
| Degree | Description |
| I | The bone density in the area of contact with the joint is slightly impaired, there are no symptoms |
| II | There is mild pain, cramps in the calf muscles at night, deformities are visible on X-ray |
| III | The pain becomes more intense, the spine may become deformed and height may decrease, the risk of fractures and displacements is very high |
| IV | On an x-ray, the bones are almost transparent, the person experiences severe pain and often cannot walk normally or take care of himself in everyday life. |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Movalis
For osteoporosis, the medication is used in tablets and solution for injection. Injections are required only for the first 2-3 days during the exacerbation period, after which the patient is transferred to enteral treatment. The solution is injected deep into the muscle in an amount of 7.5-15 mg of the active ingredient. Injections are given strictly once a day.
The drug Movalis in the form of a solution for intramuscular administration
The tablets are taken at an individually selected time, strictly during meals, since the active substance can adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract. The dose is 7.5 mg also once a day. If necessary, the amount of Movalis is increased to 15 mg and reduced after achieving an adequate result.
Revmoxicam
The medication is also available in the form of injections and oral tablets. Treatment involves intramuscular administration of 7.5-15 mg of Revmoxicam in the morning. The drug is administered strictly once a day and no more than three days in a row. After an acute attack of osteoporosis is relieved, tablets are taken with meals at a dose of 7.5-15 mg. The tablets are taken daily in an individually selected course.
The drug Revmoxicam in tablets
Diclofenac
A classic anti-inflammatory, taken during an exacerbation of the disease. Take the medication in the form of tablets at a dose of 75 mg of Diclofenac. For severe pain, treatment can be prescribed with injections, which are given intramuscularly. The dosage is also 75 mg daily. The duration of treatment is always negotiated separately for each patient.
Anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac
Attention! Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to patients with diffuse osteoporosis at any stage of development.
Porosity of bone tissue is the main sign of osteoporosis on x-ray
Types of osteoporosis of joints
The disease is usually classified into 4 groups:
- postmenopausal (occurs in women during menopause);
- senile (typical for older people);
- secondary (against the background of other diseases);
- combined (a combination of two or even all of the listed types).
Osteoporosis also differs because of which joints are affected. Let's look at them separately.
Osteoporosis of the hip joint
This is the most serious and most common type - in 40% of cases, osteoporosis affects the hip joint. With it, damage to the hip joint is possible even with low loads, and the pathological itch itself can spread to the processes of the vertebral discs, skull bones, and ribs. In women, osteoporosis of the hip joints is detected more often than in men, as are other types of this disease.
Characteristic signs of damage to the hip joints:
- spasms in the entire skeletal muscles, usually at night, but can also occur during the day;
- change in posture;
- pain in the lower back, in the front and side of the thighs, aggravated by exercise;
- pain in the buttocks and groin (radiating), is sudden, paroxysmal in nature;
- lameness and changes in gait in order to eliminate discomfort, often this happens unconsciously;
- the absence of anything that could cause pain, that is, there is actually no reason for it;
- insomnia, deterioration of the person’s condition in general;
- weakness in the leg (usually manifests itself a year after the onset of the disease);
- deformation of the chest (if the process is widespread and advanced).
With osteoporosis of the hip joints, the risk of breaking the epiphysis of the femur, the femoral neck, and injury to the acetabulum (“bursa” of the joint) is highest.
This large joint is almost always under load - both dynamically and statically. Therefore, degenerative processes in it are especially dangerous and at the same time most frequent. The worst consequence of osteoporosis is a hip fracture. At a young age, it is still possible to recover, but it is very long and difficult - rehabilitation takes an average of a year. Only 8% of people return to normal life. And if an elderly person breaks his hip, he will remain disabled (75% of cases) for the rest of his life. The fatal outcome of such an injury is also possible - 20% of cases.
Osteoporosis of the knee joint
Osteoporosis of the knee joint can occur in children, but in most cases it occurs in people after 50 years of age. In the early stages there are no external changes, and usually a person notices that something is wrong when 30% of bone mass has already been lost. The knee joint is most susceptible to osteoporosis in obese people, in those who engage in traumatic sports (wrestling, hockey, football) or, conversely, constantly sit both at work and at home.
Symptoms of osteoporosis of the knees by stage:
I
:
there are no symptoms, only the general signs of calcium deficiency described above may appear.
II
:
the knees react with pain to changes in weather, they hurt after a long walk. This is a mild discomfort that is usually not alarming. In rare cases, leg cramps occur at night.
III
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there is severe pain in the legs, especially severe in the morning. It is present both during exercise and at rest. The knees swell, patients hear a crunching sound in them.
IV
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the knee is greatly enlarged in size, the joint is atrophied, and the appearance of the leg is changed. This is actually a disability.
Osteoporosis of the shoulder joint
This is a regional type of osteoporosis, that is, it does not spread throughout the body, but is localized only in the shoulders. Its causes are often systemic and autoimmune diseases - rheumatism, lupus erythematosus, rickets, scleroderma (systemic). This disease is also provoked by pathologies of internal organs, for example, general intoxication, liver and/or kidney failure. Often osteoporosis of the shoulder joint develops after surgery or trauma in this area, against the background of oncology (adenoma, sarcoma, etc.).
People usually notice problems with the shoulder joint in the later stages. The first sign is chronic or acute pain in the shoulders. May be accompanied by numbness of soft tissues and impaired motor function. These symptoms only get worse. The pain prevents you from sleeping and doing your usual things. The most severe pain is in the morning, it subsides or goes away if you move your shoulder a little. As the disease progresses, shoulder pain becomes constant and intensifies.
Osteoporosis of the ankle joint
The foot and ankle joint bear all the load when we walk. Therefore, there is one of the highest risks of injury and the development of various diseases, including osteoporosis, which is very common. It leads to a decrease or cessation of working capacity, and can cause irreversible changes in the articular and periarticular tissues of the legs. And this is a direct path to disability.
Usually osteoporosis of the ankle is pronounced. These are severe pains that can only be relieved by the most powerful over-the-counter painkillers. As it progresses, the bones become so thin that a fracture is possible even just while walking. A person constantly experiences pain in the legs both during exercise and at rest. A so-called “compensatory gait” develops, meaning it changes to compensate for severe symptoms. The person begins to arch his legs in order not to feel pain. This can lead to lifelong deformation of the bones of the foot and tibia. Especially if osteoporosis has been present for several years without treatment.
Other symptoms of osteoporosis of the leg:
- discomfort in the ankle, aggravated by standing and walking;
- clubfoot;
- the need to control every step when walking, which is noticeable from the outside;
- frequent fractures even under low loads - jumping literally 30 cm up, quickly climbing stairs;
- heat in the legs, cramps at night and/or after standing or walking for a long time.
Osteoporosis of the elbow joint
This is a rare type of osteoporosis that usually develops in old age and/or as a result of an elbow injury. This is due to the fact that the elbow has a strong ligamentous apparatus and that this part of the body is not subject to high loads. It usually appears when irreversible deformations are already present. Symptoms:
- in the initial stages there are no or signs of calcium deficiency appear;
- stiffness and discomfort in the elbow because the cartilage in the elbow joint becomes thinner and the head of the tubular bone becomes closer to the walls of the articular cavity;
- pain that intensifies with exercise and then becomes constant;
- crunching when bending the elbow;
- swelling of the elbow, its significant increase;
- poor general condition – weakness, drowsiness.
- in the later stages - deformation of the elbow and arm bones, muscle atrophy in this area, shortening of the arms.
How is joint osteoporosis diagnosed?
If you notice signs of such a disease, you need to contact a therapist, traumatologist or rheumatologist. The doctor will conduct an initial examination and refer you for examinations. The fastest, most comfortable and informative method is ultrasound densitometry. In just a couple of minutes, a conclusion is drawn about the density of bone tissue throughout the body.
May be assigned:
- radiography of the affected joints in two projections, which can reveal the transparency of the bones, spines on the surfaces of the joints, periarticular fractures;
- Ultrasound of joints;
- CT;
- MRI;
- blood tests for calcium, thyroid hormones, estrogens.
If a secondary type of osteoporosis is suspected, differential diagnosis is carried out to exclude those diseases that may be its cause.
Prices
| Consultation with a doctor on the treatment of hip osteoporosis | From 500 rub. |
| First treatment cycle (12 sessions) | From 6,500 rub. |
| Second treatment cycle (12 sessions) | From 5,900 rub. |
| One lesson | From 700 rub. |
| General massage | From 1,000 rub. |
| Simple zonal taping | From 500 rub. |
| Combined zonal taping | From 800 rub. |
Based on the results of the consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment will be prescribed.
*Prices in different regions may vary; current information on the cost of services can be obtained from the center manager.
How to treat osteoporosis of the joints
Treatment for osteoporosis is long-term and can last for several months. It is carried out comprehensively - the diet is adjusted, special medications and physical therapy are prescribed. The main tasks that the doctor must solve are to correct calcium metabolism, eliminate pain, increase bone density, and prevent complications.
Diet
It is necessary to give up alcohol, caffeine, quit smoking or significantly reduce the number of cigarettes smoked (at least by half). Be sure to eat calcium-rich foods. Recommended daily intakes of calcium:
- children under 18 years of age – 1200 mg;
- women of fertile age – 800 mg;
- men – 800 mg;
- women during menopause – 1500 mg.
In addition to calcium, you need phosphorus (800-1000 mg per day), magnesium (400 to 800 mg), copper (3 mg), vitamin D (400 international units), vitamins B, A, C, K, and folic acid.
You need to eat fractionally, 4 times a day and in small or medium portions. It is important to eat at the same time.
Important! For better absorption of calcium from food, moderate physical activity is needed.
The diet should include 100-150 g of protein, no more, otherwise the gastrointestinal tract will be overloaded. You don't need an intense tan to get enough vitamin D. It is enough to walk for 30 minutes every day in the dim sun.
Table of recommended and prohibited products
| What to eat if you have osteoporosis | Prohibited Products | |
| Calcium rich foods |
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| Sources of magnesium |
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| Sources of phosphorus |
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| Foods Rich in Copper |
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| Sources of boron (promotes the absorption of vitamin D ) |
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| Sources of vitamin D 3 |
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| Products high in vitamins A, C, K |
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Exercises
Exercise therapy gives a very good effect. The muscle corset is strengthened, blood circulation in the joints is stimulated. The doctor must select a list of exercises strictly individually. However, what is beneficial for everyone, without exception, is swimming in the pool.
Drug therapy
The main medications used as part of therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - for pain relief. These can be “Ibuprofen”, “Ketonal”, “Nise”.
- Calcium preparations – “Calcium D3 Nycomed”, “Myocalxix”, etc.
- Vitamin D in the form of supplements – “Ultra-D”, etc.
- Inhibitors of bone destruction - bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid), calcitonin, estrogens (for women with their deficiency).
- Drugs that stimulate bone formation - anabolics, androgens, growth hormones.
Physiotherapy
The complex of physiotherapeutic measures includes general massage, paraffin therapy, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, magnetic therapy, mud treatment, electrophoresis with Novocaine (to relieve local pain).
The most important
Osteoporosis of the hip joint can lead to disability and, in some cases, death. To avoid dangerous complications, try to be attentive to your condition. If you are at risk for OTC, then periodically visit a doctor and conduct instrumental studies that will help identify an incipient disease. Timely comprehensive treatment will help stop pathological changes and increase the bone density of the hip joint. At stage 3 of the disease, surgery cannot be avoided, but then the risk of complications increases significantly. Prevention is the best way to avoid osteoporosis of the hip joint and maintain the health of the bone joint, skeleton and the entire body.
Consequences and complications of osteoporosis of the joints
A complication of this disease is fractures even with low load, the most dangerous of which is a fracture of the femoral neck. To exclude such complications, you need to wear protectors for damaged joints, avoid strong physical exertion and those impacts that can lead to injuries (jumping, running, etc.).
Important! If you are taking medications that cause dizziness, talk to your doctor about stopping them or adjusting the dose. When you feel dizzy, there is a risk of falling and getting a fracture.
Prevention of osteoporosis of joints
First of all, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible - as soon as you experience the first discomfort in the joints. People at risk are recommended to undergo preventive densitometry once a year and donate blood for calcium. The latter test must be taken regularly even in case of long-term therapy with glucocorticosteroids and hormones.
It is important not to abuse alcohol, eat foods rich in calcium, do light exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight, and limit caffeine-containing drinks.
Drugs against bone destruction
Osteochin
The drug has a positive effect on bone tissue, producing new cells and stopping bone destruction. At the same time, there is a positive effect on joint tissue and intervertebral discs. The duration of taking Osteochin is at least six months; for diffuse type osteoporosis, the drug is usually prescribed for a course of at least two to three years. The dose of the medication is 200 mg three times a day after meals.
Osteochin has a positive effect on bone tissue, producing new cells
Miacalcic
The drug is released in the form of a nasal spray. For osteoporosis, you need to take 200 IU/day. To get the maximum effect, it is recommended to take individually selected doses of calcium and vitamin D at the same time as Miacalcic. The duration of the course is long, determined and reviewed by a doctor every six months.